a. [ L. gratus agreeable, grateful: cf. It. & Sp. grato. See Grace, and cf. Agree. ] Serving to gratify; agreeable. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Herbert. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. grata, fr. L. crates hurdle; or It. grata, of the same origin. Sae Crate, Hurdle. ] 1. A structure or frame containing parallel or crosed bars, with interstices; a kind of latticework, such as is used ia the windows of prisons and cloisters. “A secret grate of iron bars.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A frame or bed, or kind of basket, of iron bars, for holding fuel while burning. [ 1913 Webster ]

Grate surface (Steam, Boiler) the area of the surface of the grate upon which the fuel lies in the furnace. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Grated; p. pr. & vb. n. Grating. ] To furnish with grates; to protect with a grating or crossbars; as, to grate a window. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ OF grater to scrape, scratch, F. gratter, LL. gratare, cratare; of German origin; cf. OHG. chrazzōn G. kratzen, D. krassen, Sw. Kratta, and perh. E. scratch. ] 1. To rub roughly or harshly, as one body against another, causing a harsh sound; as, to grate the teeth; to produce (a harsh sound) by rubbing. [ 1913 Webster ]

On their hinges grate
Harsh thunder. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To reduce to small particles by rubbing with anything rough or indented; as, to grate a nutmeg. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To fret; to irritate; to offend. [ 1913 Webster ]

News, my good lord Rome . . . grates me. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To make a harsh sound by friction. [ 1913 Webster ]

I had rather hear a brazen canstick turned,
Or a dry wheel grate on the exletree. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To produce the effect of rubbing with a hard rough material; to cause wearing, tearing, or bruising. Hence; To produce exasperation, soreness, or grief; to offend by oppression or importunity. [ 1913 Webster ]

This grated harder upon the hearts of men. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ From 2d Grate. ] Furnished with a grate or grating; as, grated windows. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Grate, a. + full; cf. F. gré thanks, good will, fr. L. gratum, neut. of gratus agreeable, grateful. See Grate, a. ] 1. Having a due sense of benefits received; kindly disposed toward one from whom a favor has been received; willing to acknowledge and repay, or give thanks for, benefits; as, a grateful heart. [ 1913 Webster ]

A grateful mind
By owing, owes not, but still pays. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Affording pleasure; pleasing to the senses; gratifying; delicious; as, a grateful present; food grateful to the palate; grateful sleep. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now golden fruits on loaded branches shine,
And grateful clusters swell. Pope.

Syn. -- Thankful; pleasing; acceptable; gratifying; agreeable; welcome; delightful; delicious.

-- Grate"ful*ly, adv. -- Grate"ful*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ From Qrate, v. ] One who, or that which, grates; especially, an instrument or utensil with a rough, indented surface, for rubbing off small particles of any substance; as a grater for nutmegs. [ 1913 Webster ]